We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabriel Porrata. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabriel below.
Hi Gabriel, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I think my resilience comes from my experience as a Puerto Rican and everything it means to grow up in such a rich and strong culture. In Puerto Rico, we constantly face challenges, from devastating hurricanes like María in 2017 to economic hardships, but we always find a way to rise again. That taught me that no matter how hard the hit, there’s always a way to keep moving forward.
It also comes from my family. At home, we always said, ‘pa’ lante,’ a reminder that we can’t stay stuck. Community is also key—Puerto Ricans are incredibly supportive. I learned that when things get tough, you’re never alone. There will always be someone ready to help, even if it’s just with a plate of rice and beans and a good conversation.
And of course, there’s cultural pride. Our music, our traditions, and even the way we celebrate life, even in the hardest times, have given me that inner strength to keep going. Being Puerto Rican isn’t just an identity; it’s a constant reminder that resilience is in our DNA.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Growing up in Puerto Rico, one of my most cherished memories was sitting with my abuela at 3 PM every day, sharing a cup of café con leche. It was a sacred ritual—no matter how busy the day was, we’d pause, sit together, and talk about life. Sometimes she’d tell me stories about her childhood, and other times she’d offer advice wrapped in love and wisdom. Those afternoons weren’t just about the coffee; they were about connection, family, and learning to appreciate the little things.
That memory has stayed with me and shaped the way I approach everything I do. Over the years, I’ve worked in banking and with nonprofits, helping small business owners and dreamers bring their ideas to life. But to me, it’s always been about more than just the work. It’s about sitting down with someone, listening to their story, and finding a way to help them move forward.
What excites me most is seeing the ripple effect of those small moments—kind of like that coffee break with my abuela. A little guidance or encouragement can make such a big difference in someone’s life. It’s not about big gestures; it’s about showing up and being present for people when they need it most.
Right now, I’m focused on finding new ways to help others, especially those who’ve been told their dreams are too big or out of reach. Whether it’s through sharing resources, offering advice, or simply listening, I want to be that person who says, “Sí, se puede.” Because I believe in the power of those small, everyday moments to create something truly special—just like those afternoons with my abuela and her warm cup of café.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say three things have made the biggest difference in my journey: resilience, empathy, and knowing how to really listen.
Resilience is something I picked up early, growing up in Puerto Rico. Life there isn’t always easy, but you learn to keep going no matter what. Whether it’s a hurricane or a tough day, you figure things out. That mindset has helped me through a lot. For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: don’t give up when things get hard. Challenges are part of life, and they’ll make you stronger if you let them.
Empathy came from those afternoons with my abuela, sharing coffee and listening to her stories. She taught me to really see people—their struggles, their hopes—and that stuck with me. It’s helped me connect with people in everything I’ve done, whether it’s been helping someone with a business idea or just being there for a friend. If you’re just starting out, take the time to understand people. It’s amazing how far kindness and understanding can take you.
And then there’s listening. It sounds simple, but it’s so important. Really listening—paying attention, asking questions, and not rushing to talk—has opened so many doors for me. It’s how you learn what people need and how you can help. If you want to get better at this, just practice being fully present in conversations. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just listen.
My advice? Be patient with yourself and others, and stay open to learning. And find something that keeps you grounded, like those 3 PM coffee breaks I had with my abuela. It’s the little things that remind you what matters most.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
At the moment, I’m not actively collaborating with others in an official capacity, but I want to highlight two key people in making Latitud a reality. First, Juan Cirino, the owner of Pangaea Bistro in downtown Greensboro, who has been instrumental by providing us with a space within his restaurant to bring the coffee shop dream to life. His support has been crucial, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to grow in his space.
Additionally, I’m collaborating with Enoc Rivera from Filtrado in Puerto Rico, who is providing the coffee beans for Latitud. The quality of his coffee and his focus on local products have been a vital part of what we aim to offer in our shop.
While I’m not actively seeking formal partnerships right now, I’m always open to connecting with people who share a passion for community, creativity, and good coffee. If you have ideas for collaboration or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. I love the idea of working together and seeing what we can create by supporting each other!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latitudcoffeeco/
Image Credits
Ninoshka Vega / Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ninoshkavegaphotography/
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